I just got one of these the other day, and haven't been able to get it to work. My brother got one as well from the same store, and his works fine. We both installed the same kernal, have the same box, and have the same websites linked etc, yet it only works on his cart. If we swap memory cards between our carts, mine will work and his wont, because it's in my r4 cart.
I've done some research, and they all say that the "clone" r4s are made workable by getting the kernel from the websites linked on their respective clone box. Here is the site that my box links:
http://www.r4ids.com/going here:
http://www.r4ids.com/r4ids-e.htmlmy box is the same as the two gold screenshots linked at the top.
My actual r4 looks just like the one linked that says: "Cassettes complete positive " on the front, and the back looks like "Integrity of the tape back".
My brothers looks exactly the same everywhere.
However...mine is embosses slightly on the front (very slightly, you can't notice it at a glance)/ As if there is a small square chip inside under the black/gold label. My brother's does NOT have this chip. This chip also makes sliding the cart somewhat harder (not hard per say, but you definately feel more resistance).
Now normally I'd assume I had a phoney or a lemon or something, but I can't understand why my "fake" version has EXTRA stuff as opposed to a fake cart? It has to be a working version with just the wrong site linked..or something. I don't know. Anybody have any clue? I was really looking forward to trying touhou ds >=(.